Bundjalung tennis player Laquisa Khan is proving that determination, culture and community can take you to the world stage - even when the odds are stacked.
Born and raised in Lismore and now based on the Gold Coast, Khan first picked up a tennis racquet at just eight years old.
What started as a simple hit quickly turned into a lifelong pursuit.
“I’ve stuck to tennis ever since,” she told NITV.
Now ranked around 774 on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Khan recently achieved a major milestone after being awarded a wild card into the Adelaide International, competing against some of the world’s top-ranked players.
“I’m very grateful for my journey and how far I’ve come,” she said.
“My work is paying off, and that’s how I got offered the wild card. I’m just grateful to be playing this event.”
Carrying culture onto the court
Khan has been supported by the Yvonne Goolagong Foundation since the age of 13, and says representing her mob on an international stage is something she carries with pride.
“It’s an honour representing my Bundjalung Nation and my people,” she said.
“Seeing what Evonne Goolagong achieved, and what Ash Barty has done as well, shows it’s definitely possible for any Indigenous woman like myself to achieve big dreams and big goals.”
Behind the scenes, it takes daily effort to reach rankings and tournaments. Khan trains two to four hours a day on court, often followed by gym sessions - all while working early morning shifts at a café and coaching tennis to help fund her career.
“It’s pretty full-on, but I’m financially supporting myself to get around the world and compete in as many tournaments as I can.”
She has travelled internationally to compete in tournaments across China and the Philippines, describing the experience as both challenging and rewarding.
“I love travelling the world for tennis and experiencing new cultures, food and conditions,” she said.
Staying grounded away from Country
Like many First Nations athletes, Khan says being away from family and Country can be challenging. She stays grounded through regular contact with family and support from her team.
“I connect with my team a lot and check in with my family back home daily,” she said. “That definitely keeps me grounded.”
Her family, particularly her mother, remains a strong source of support.
“My mum is definitely proud of me and how driven and dedicated I am,” Khan said.
Serving up big ambitions for what lies ahead
After Adelaide, Khan plans to attend Evonne Goolagong’s 50-year Australian Open anniversary celebrations, before competing in four tournaments across Brisbane and Tasmania in February.
Her long-term goal is clear.
“My goal by the end of 2026 is to crack the top 300 and to play the Australian Open in 2027,” she said.
For now, Laquisa Khan continues to put in the work — carrying her culture, her community and the next generation of First Nations tennis players with her every time she steps onto the court.
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